Michael RAY CHARLES (born 1967) - Lot 75

Michael RAY CHARLES (born 1967) A Firm Action (Forever Free), 1995 Acrylic on paper Signed lower right Hans Mayer gallery label on back 152.4 x 91.4 cm Provenance: Private collection, France: Private collection, France. An acrylic on paper by Michael Ray Charles FR Michael Ray Charles is an artist whose work is distinguished by its ability to explore and deconstruct racial stereotypes through a bold and provocative artistic approach. Born in 1967 in Lafayette, Louisiana, Charles grew up in California and Louisiana, two regions that have profoundly influenced his work. After studying design and advertising, followed by a BFA and MFA at the University of Houston, he began teaching and exhibiting his work, quickly establishing his presence in the art world. Michael Ray Charles' work is characterized by an intense and thoughtful use of popular iconography and racial symbols. He revisits images from American culture, particularly those taken from advertisements and everyday objects, to question racial representations and their impact on collective perception. Using painting, collage and mix-media techniques, Charles creates visually striking works that capture both the humor and gravity of racial stereotypes. One of the most remarkable aspects of his work is his ability to juxtapose elements of popular culture with serious themes, addressing issues of race, identity and memory. His works, often rich in color and detail, are both critical commentaries and personal reflections on the African-American experience. Charles' work is widely recognized and is included in many prestigious public collections, including the Museum of Modern Art, New York, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the San Antonio Museum of Art. UK Michael Ray Charles is an artist distinguished by his ability to explore and deconstruct racial stereotypes through a bold and provocative artistic approach. Born in 1967 in Lafayette, Louisiana, Charles grew up in California and Louisiana, two regions that have profoundly influenced his work. After studying design and advertising, followed by a BFA and MFA at the University of Houston, he began teaching and exhibiting his work, quickly establishing his presence in the art world. Michael Ray Charles's work is characterized by an intense and thoughtful use of popular iconography and racial symbols. He revisits images from American culture, particularly those derived from advertisements and everyday objects, to question racial representations and their impact on collective perception. Using painting, collage, and mixed media techniques, Charles creates visually striking works that capture both the humor and gravity of racial stereotypes. One of the most remarkable aspects of his work is his ability to juxtapose elements of popular culture with serious themes, addressing issues of race, identity, and memory. His pieces, often rich in color and detail, serve as both critical commentary and personal reflections on the African American experience.Charles's work is widely recognized and is included in numerous prestigious public collections, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, and the San Antonio Museum of Art.